“It’s the best way to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu. This year, we’re able to offer patients over 65 years old a high- density shot for better stimulation of their immune system.” He also corrects a misunderstanding he’s encountered. “I can’t stress enough that the flu shot can’t give you the flu!” This reassuring, proactive attitude toward Islanders’ health is characteristic of Pharmasave Cornwall. “When we opened in 2015, my dream was to have a pharmacy that gave great personal service and had a family feel,” explains Kowalchuk. “I enjoy it when I feel I made a difference, really helped someone. This location allows me to do that.” Throughout 2020, the Pharmasave has been an impressive example of a local business safeguarding customers. Phone-based and online prescription renewals are available, and customers can arrange home or curbside delivery. At the same time, to protect instore customers, the Pharmasave Cornwall team has installed Plexiglass barriers
“We preprint flu shot authorization forms and have them available for pickup, or customers can download them from Pharmasave’s website, or the Wally’s Pharmasave Facebook page,” Kowalchuk notes. “This year, the forms include COVID-19 screening questions. Clients arrive with their form, then leave a contact phone number and wait in their car until we’re ready.” Once a pharmacist reviews the authorization form, the appointment continues in a private room (“counselling room”) where both customers and Pharmasave Cornwall staff wear masks. “After the injection, we ask patients to wait in the store, if they came alone, or return to their car and wait fifteen minutes to ensure they don’t have an adverse reaction. We prefer family groups, as everyone has an eye on each other during the waiting period. After that, if everything’s okay, the patient is free to go,” Kowalchuk concludes. While emphasizing the urgency of a 2020 flu shot, he points out that it’s not a one-time precaution. Since fall and winter flus can be debilitating, a flu immunization is an annual necessity.
and follows an intense daily sanitization schedule.
Pharmasave Cornwall’s PPE selection includes hand sanitizer, face shields, gloves and masks, stocked near longstanding offerings like giftware and funny greeting cards. Regarding merchandise, Kowalchuk says, “We’ve also been looking at more local flair where possible.” As customers choose holiday cards and gifts, as well as get their flu shots, “We want to wish everyone a safe and healthy autumn.”
Pharmasave Cornwall 25 Meadowbank Road, Cornwall 902.629.6870 www.pharmasave.com
WINTER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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